(6/22/2012)
Umar Patek, the bomb maker who helped create the bombs that killed 202 people and maimed scores of others in the 2002 Bali bombing has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
In a verdict handed down on Thursday night, June 21, 2012, the presiding judge said: “First, we find the defendant Umar Patek legally and convincingly guilty of criminally colluding to transport weapons and ammunition for terrorism. Second, he purposely concealed information about terrorism. Thirdly, he committed premeditated murder. Fourth, he used forged documents.” Quoted in detik.com, the judge continued, “Fifth, he falsified legal documents with others. Sixth, he participated in the handling of explosives. (Therefore) He is sentenced to 20 years in prison, less time served.”
In coming to its verdict, the court said that the factors weighing against Patek were that his acts disturbed stability and the national economy; caused public unrest; caused suffering to the families of the victims; cost human lives, and saw Patek run away becoming a fugitive of the law.
In mitigation, the court took into account that Patek freely admitted his crime; behaved politely throughout the trial; stated his regret for his actions; and asked forgiveness to both the Indonesian and foreign communities,
After hearing the verdict, Patek and his legal team said they would consider whether to receive the verdict or to challenge it on legal appeal.
Umar Patek was originally charged with violation section 340 of the Criminal Code regarding premeditated murder, the falsification of documents, and possessing an illegal firearm.
While prosecutors had sought a life sentence for Patek, the panel of judges handed down the less severe 20-year sentence.
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